Shrimp with Black Bean & Garlic Sauce
Juicy shrimp stir-fried in a bold fermented black bean and garlic sauce, with a hint of chili for heat. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, fermented black bean paste, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp fermented black bean paste
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated, then set aside. Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden, then add 2 tbsp fermented black bean paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Step 3: Add shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp rice wine. Mix in 2 tbsp water and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp evenly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat immediately, transfer to a serving dish, and serve hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shrimp with Black Bean & Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Shrimp with Black Bean & Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp with Black Bean & Garlic Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Shrimp with Black Bean & Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Shrimp with Black Bean & Garlic Sauce?
Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
